Shoulder pain: To needle or not to needle? The role of acupuncture in the treatment of shoulder pain

INTERVENTION: Group 1: Shoulder exercise group Group 2: Shoulder exercise group and acupuncture Group 3: Shoulder exercise group and electro‐acupuncture CONDITION: Shoulder pain of musculoskeletal origin ; Musculoskeletal Diseases ; Shoulder pain PRIMARY OUTCOME: 1. Oxford Shoulder Score (a validated 12 question questionnaire which requires tick box responses relating to the patients symptoms and level of disability) ; ; Outcome measurements will be taken (1) before the commencement of the programme, (2) immediately after the programme, (3) at 6 months and (4) at 12 months. SECONDARY OUTCOME: 1. Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI), another validated shoulder questionnaire which also includes Visual Analogue Scales for pain ; 2. Shoulder range of movement (shoulder flexion, abduction, external rotation and internal rotation) measured with goniometers and tape measurer; 3. Shoulder strength measured with a validated shoulder strength testing dynanometer. ; 4. Global impression of change; ; Outcome measurements will be taken (1) before the commencement of the programme, (2) immediately after the programme, (3) at 6 months and (4) at 12 months. INCLUSION CRITERIA: 1. Patients referred to physiotherapy departments who have pain in the region of their shoulder 2. Minimum duration of symptoms being 3 months 2. Being able fully communicate in English 3. A minimum age of 18 years